The introduction of the International Visitor Survey (IVS) at Henderson International Airport in 2006/2007 means that Solomon Islands now leads the Pacific region in the application of technology.
This is the first 'real time' global International Visitor Survey which most countries undertake for researching their international visitors.In this research, key data from the Solomon Islands will be transmitted and collated in real-time through a computer link.
The technology involves a small tablet PC.
Each interview is recorded 'live' and transmitted through a Wi-Fi link, or hotspot that has been installed at the airport.
Other countries are either using paper-based interviewing, or cumbersome laptops that need downloading and data processing before analysis can be completed.
With the Telekom link at the airport, it is the first of a local network of internet Wi-Fi 'hotspots' throughout the Honiara area.
The International Visitor Survey is funded by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).